Mumineen I Vs. Believers @ Tamarac - Game 7

Sorry for not having blogs up lately. This week, Mumineen I took on against Believers for the second time this season. Both teams looking different from the first time they played each other. Mumineen I was in to bat first, but they had a horrifying start as both of their openers, Razack and Iqbal, were out in the first over. This pegged back Mumineen I from having a quick start, which they usually have. Altab and Aseef was forming a rebuilding partnership that was slow, but very useful. As they were settled, Aseef was out. Shaheed came in and played an excellent innings. Seeing that his team was at a low rate, he knew what was needed and decided to go after the ball, which raised Mumineen I's run rate. As others came in to bat with wickets falling, Mumineen I ended up with a decent total of 130. Shaheed led this come back with an excellent 47.

Believers openers, Zaheer and Naeem were in to bat. Some very tight bowling from Quadir and Insaff kept Believers at bay early in the game. Zaheer had fell with a shot into long on that was caught by Brian. Soon after Naeem was gone and another wicket fell. Believers had 3 down in no time, but this was the changing point. Asif Sharief came in and started to see the ball very well hitting everyone around for boundaries early. Irfan was his partner at the other end and also played a very well supporting role. The Mumineen I killer this season had hit them again, as important catches were dropped at the wrong time. Asif and Irfan beat out the runs with just 3 overs remaining. Asif scoring a magnificent 90 and Irfan scored a well played 25.

Mumineen I Vs. Alliance @ Wellman Field - Game 5

Mumineen I again had lost the toss and was sent in to bat first. Mumineen I had a disastrous start with their batting as openers, Razack and Iqbal, was sent out early. Some fine batting from Altab and Insaff brought Mumineen I back into the game for a few overs, but Sultan had other plans and bowled Insaff for 9. Mumineen I never looked comfortable against the tight bowling from Alliance. Wickets started to fall constantly. At the end, Mumineen I was 81/8 after their 20 overs. The scoring was lead by Altab, who was also the only player to hit double digits, with 24. Mumineen I was short in players again with only 10 players on the field. This was also the lowest total in a 20 over format for Mumineen I.

Altab - 24

Mumineen I knew they have the firepower to bowl Alliance out for under 81. The bowling was wayward from the first over by Quadir, and Alliance was off to a good start. Insaff showed that he is capable of keeping Alliance at bay with an excellent first over. The next over the game took a turn. After a few words from Altab and Insaff to Quadir, Alliance opener, Wazim, was caught in the deep by Razack from the first delivery from the over. Two deliveries later, Sultan, the other Alliance opener, lost his stumps with a yorker length delivery from Quadir. This was the lead for a fightback by Mumineen I. The following over, Asif Zid was caught at deep square leg by Javed. 3 quick wickets pegged back Alliance as they were in the 20's with 3 wickets down. The next partnership was clinical for Alliance. Arkhan and Faran went in to bat. After a tight over from Quadir, Insaff bowled a great delivery that made Arkhan sky the ball. The ball was dropped by the fielder and possibly dropped the game. As this happened, the momentum was drained from Mumineen I's perspective. A very good partnership went on as they had a few more drop catches and misfields. Faran was bowled later by Shaheed, but the damage was done. With less than 20 runs left on the board in 7 overs, Alliance took their time and comfortably won with 2 overs remaining. This loss brought Mumineen I to second place with 3-2.

In other notes, we would like to congratulate former Mumineen I player, Adam, with his first ever 50 against Unity. Well played with 7 sixes.

Standings after Week 5

Alliance 3-2
Mumineen I 3-2
Mumineen II 3-2
Nur ul Islam 2-3
Believers 2-3
Unity 2-3